CBS NEWS
Take in more magnesium, Canada: doctors
Last Updated Tue, 24 Sep 2002 16:53:31
TORONTO - Canadians may not be getting enough magnesium in their diet and should consider taking supplements, say doctors.
"Data from recent studies shows that magnesium-rich diets may reduce blood pressure, especially among older adults," said Dr. Rhian Toyuz in the Journal of Hypertension. Toyuz is an associate professor at the University of Montreal.
Toyuz also called for more research into the role of magnesium in cardiovascular disease.
Magnesium helps muscle cells, including those in the heart, to relax. Magnesium deficiencies have been linked to heart disease, irregular heartbeat and palpitations. Few studies have examined its role in disease prevention.
Rich Sources of Magnesium
* nuts
* whole grains
* avocados
* spinach
* peanut butter
* baked beans
* potato with skin
The North American recommended daily intake of magnesium is 600 milligrams. But evidence shows that 50 to 90 per cent of North Americans are not getting enough.
"Part of the reason we're seeing problems with magnesium is the result of a high-starch diet. That uses up more magnesium," said Aileen Burford-Mason, a nutritionist. And when we're under stress, our needs for magnesium skyrocket.
Sources of magnesium include broccoli, spinach, cooked oatmeal, mixed nuts, halibut, canned tuna and shrimp.
Some doctors are prescribing magnesium supplements for patients to deal with a host of health problems: from muscle cramps to high blood pressure.
Dr. Linda Rapson has been adding magnesium to the diets of most of her patients to deal with pain.
"Virtually all of them improve when I put them on magnesium," said Rapson, who runs a Toronto pain clinic. She says magnesium helps people deal with fibromyalgia, muscle cramps, migraines and constipation.
Bernard Godin said the cramping in his leg disappeared after he began taking magnesium. After suffering sleepless nights for five years, Godin says his symptoms disappeared after he was prescribed 600 mg of magnesium a day.
"Two weeks (after taking the supplements) the cramps started to go away. It turned my life around."
Written by CBC News Online staff